Moles quickly turn manicured lawns into a network of raised ridges and unsightly mounds in Texas landscapes. These subterranean pests are a common problem for homeowners, as their tunneling activity causes significant surface damage to turf and plant roots. Successfully managing a mole problem requires understanding the specific species and their habits, then applying targeted strategies from habitat modification to active removal. This guide provides effective methods for controlling mole populations on Texas properties.
Identifying Mole Species and Damage in Texas
The Eastern Mole (Scalopus aquaticus) is responsible for nearly all residential damage across Texas. This mammal is an insectivore, not a rodent, and its diet consists primarily of earthworms, grubs, and other insect larvae found underground. An adult Eastern Mole may consume 70 to 100 percent of its body weight daily, driving its constant need to tunnel for food.
The most recognizable sign of activity is a system of raised, meandering surface ridges that mark shallow feeding tunnels. These tunnels dislodge grass roots, causing brown, dying patches of turf. Moles also create deeper, permanent tunnels, pushing excavated soil to the surface in the form of conical, volcano-shaped mounds. This distinguishes them from the fan-shaped mounds created by pocket gophers. Since moles hunt invertebrates, removal efforts must target the animal directly or eliminate its food source, as they will not readily consume typical seed-based rodent baits.
Habitat Modification and Non-Lethal Deterrents
Altering the lawn environment to make it less appealing is a proactive step in mole control. Since moles are attracted to areas rich in subsurface food, controlling their invertebrate diet encourages them to forage elsewhere. This involves applying insecticides or beneficial nematodes to manage populations of white grubs and other soil-dwelling insects.
For optimal results, preventative grub control products, such as those containing imidacloprid, should be applied in early summer (June or July) before the grubs hatch. Curative treatments, which contain trichlorfon, are applied in late summer or early fall when grubs are actively feeding near the soil surface. Reducing excessive lawn watering is also beneficial, as moles prefer moist soil where their prey, especially earthworms, are abundant.
Non-lethal deterrents can drive moles out of a specific area, though their effectiveness is often temporary. Homeowners frequently use products containing castor oil, which is thought to coat the moles’ food source, making it unpalatable. A common application involves mixing a half-cup of castor oil with a half-cup of liquid dish soap and adding this concentrate to a gallon of water, which is then sprayed over the affected area. The goal is to apply the solution in a staged manner, pushing the moles toward the edge of the property. Devices that emit sonic pulses or vibrations are commercially available, but scientific evidence indicates these are inconsistent for long-term control, as moles often acclimate to the disturbance.
Active Trapping and Chemical Eradication Techniques
Active trapping is the most reliable method for eliminating moles. Success depends on setting the trap in an active runway, which is identified by flattening a section of a surface ridge or probing a hole into the tunnel. If the mole is using the runway, it will repair the depressed area or plug the hole within 12 to 24 hours. Main runways, which are used frequently, typically run straight or connect different tunnel systems.
The most effective trap types are those triggered by the mole’s natural instinct to clear a blockage, such as the harpoon, scissor, or choker loop traps. These traps are set directly over the active tunnel, perpendicular to the run, with the trigger mechanism resting on the slightly depressed soil. Before setting the trap, carefully prepare the ground to ensure the trap is stable and secure. The mole’s sensitive nose can detect foreign objects and cause it to tunnel around a poorly set device.
Chemical control involves using toxic baits, containing the active ingredients bromethalin or zinc phosphide. Bromethalin baits are often formulated as artificial worms to mimic the mole’s natural diet. Zinc phosphide baits are pellet- or grain-based.
The primary drawback to using baits is the mole’s insectivorous diet; moles rarely consume the bait, making this method less effective than trapping. If chemical baits are used, they must be applied precisely into the active tunnel through a punched hole (usually a teaspoon amount). The opening must then be sealed with sod or a stone. This ensures the mole encounters the bait and prevents non-target animals from accessing the toxin.
Safety and Legal Considerations for Mole Removal
Adherence to pesticide label instructions is a legal requirement for all homeowners utilizing chemical mole control products. The label dictates the proper application method, which for all toxic mole baits means placing the product directly into the underground tunnel. This subterranean application is mandated to reduce the risk of accidental exposure to pets, children, and wildlife.
Bromethalin is a neurotoxin, and zinc phosphide is an acute toxin; both pose a serious poisoning risk if ingested by household pets, especially dogs. Homeowners must supervise pets closely in treated areas and strictly follow the label’s directions to apply the product only underground. Any mole or other animal found dead above ground must be collected and buried to prevent secondary poisoning of scavengers or wildlife.
Certain highly toxic fumigants, such as aluminum phosphide, are classified as restricted-use pesticides in Texas. This means they can only be purchased and applied by a licensed pest control professional or a certified applicator. For questions regarding the legal disposal of trapped moles or the appropriate use of pesticides, homeowners can consult the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service for local guidance.